SID-SF03 - Drug Related Guidelines

Gasóga na hÉireann/Scouting Ireland Document No.

Issued

SID-SF03

13th Jan. 2018

Last Amended

Next Review Jan. 2021

Category: Safeguarding

Drug Related Guidelines

Related Documents SID-39/05 – Code of Good Practice SID-YP07 – Health Promotion Policy

Revision Schedule Revision

Date

Description

#

13/01/2018

Document Issued

SID-SF03

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Drug/Alcohol Related Situation Checklist In the event of a drug/alcohol related situation: � Assess the situation; � Follow the guidelines below; and � Do not over react and remain calm.

Is medical help required, or is there any doubt? � Contact the emergency services and call for an ambulance immediately.

If medical help is not required: � Obtain the substance from the young person. � If the substance is an illegal one, place it in a lockable container in the presence of an adult. � Hand substance over to Gardaí/PSNI for disposal at earliest opportunity. � Separate young person from the group and keep under observation to ensure their immediate safety. �

Do not attempt to discuss the drug/alcohol related situation with a young person while he or she is under the influence of a substance.

� � � � �

Avoid being on your own with the young person.

Avoid confrontation – don’t judge, accuse or interrogate the young person.

Do not promise confidentiality.

Ensure safe return of the young person to their parent/guardian at the earliest opportunity.

Arrange to meet and talk with the parents of the young person, who was involved in the incident.

Document the full statement of events (Drug/Alcohol Related Situation Report

�

Form – see below) and sign it. Any other adults who witnessed same should also sign the form. � � �

Report any illegal drug/alcohol related situation to the Safeguarding Team in Scouting Ireland National Office.

Involve others as appropriate.

Consider the needs of the rest of the group.

The Do’s and Don’ts: � Do – follow all legal regulations. � Do – Discourage smoking. � Do – Store solvents in a locked room or cupboard. � Do – Ensure a young person has evidence of prescription for prescription drugs, e.g.

Managing Medications Form (SIF11A-10). � Do Not – Purchase for, or supply cigarettes or tobacco to, young people. � Do Not – Allow or use any illegal drugs during Scouting Ireland Activities or on Scouting Ireland Property. � Do Not – Allow any persons under the influence of illegal drugs to take part in Scouting Ireland activities. � Do Not – Search any young person who is suspected of possession of drugs.

Once complete, this form should be sent to the Scouter in charge. If the incident involves an illegal substance, this form should also be sent to the Safeguarding Team in National Office at safeguarding@scouts.ie

SID-SF03

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Drug/Alcohol Related Situation Report Form Indicate the type of situation Medical Emergency

Discovery of Disclosure Use or Supply

Suspicion of Use/ Allegation

Concern Expressed

Adult Use

Other

Record of a Drug/Alcohol Related Situation Scouting Ireland Activity: Name(s) of Young Person(s) involved: Date incident occurred:

First aid given?

Form completed by:

Yes

No Ambulance/Doctor called? Yes

First Aid given by: Called by:

No

At time:

Drug involved (if known – or a brief description):

Sample found?

Yes No

If an illegal substance, confiscated and placed in locked box by: In the presence of:

Date handed over to Gardaí/PSNI:

By:

If a legal substance, disposed of by:

In the presence of:

Parent/ Guardian informed? Yes No Safeguarding Team informed: Y/N

By: At time:

Brief description of situation (continue on blank sheet if necessary)

Other action taken: (e.g. Other agencies involved or informed; any sanctions imposed; any action taken with other group members) (continue on blank sheet if necessary)

SID-SF03

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